Critical Care Resource Utilization

Abstract

Allocation of resources is frequently thought to be an issue in third world countries who may regularly struggle with limited resources. Resource allocation, however, may be frequently encountered within critical care units. The seemingly simple struggle with limited beds or limited medication supply can regularly require providers to make allocation decisions. Additionally, critical care units are always faced with the possibility of a sudden surge of patients through unanticipated mass casualty or natural disaster. The healthcare team and institution should have knowledge surrounding ethical frameworks for allocation of limited resources. The chapter discusses various mechanisms for decision making surrounding allocation of scarce resources for physicians, hospitals and policy makers.